Extendable crossbar for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/766,600, filed Nov. 13, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

INTRODUCTION

Typically, cargo crossbars are a set length for a particular vehicleapplication. There may be many different use cases for crossbars on avehicle, which could require different mounting locations of varyingdistance therebetween. It would be advantageous for a crossbar to easilyaccommodate varying distances between mounting locations of a vehicle.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a roof rack crossbar assembly is provided. The roofrack crossbar assembly comprises: an axis of motion, e.g., translation;an internal structure; a first section; and a second section. The firstsection is configured to translate along the axis of motion relative tothe internal structure. The first section may be moveably coupled to theinternal structure. The second section is configured to translate alongthe axis of motion relative to the internal structure opposite the firstsection. The second section may be moveably coupled to the internalstructure. The internal structure is configured to cause a transverseplane of the internal structure, e.g., a transverse midplane, to becentered between the first section and the second section as the firstsection and the second section translate along the axis of motion, e.g.,away from the transverse plane of the internal structure. The transverseplane may be a plane perpendicular to the axis of motion.

In some embodiments, the roof rack crossbar assembly comprises a thirdsection rigidly affixable to the internal structure. The third sectionmay be arranged between the first section and the second section suchthat it is centered between the first section and the second section atthe transverse plane of the internal structure.

In some embodiments, the internal structure comprises at least oneinternal bar configured to provide structure rigidity to the crossbarassembly. In some embodiments, the internal structure comprises at leastone moveable coupling, e.g., a slide mechanism, configured to allow thefirst section and the second section to translate relative to the atleast one internal bar. In some embodiments, the at least one internalbar comprises a hollow interior.

In some embodiments, the at least one slide mechanism comprises apully-cable mechanism. The pulley-cable mechanism may comprise: a pulleyrigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar, e.g., towards anoutboard end of the at least one internal bar; and a cable comprising afirst cable end and a second cable end. In some embodiments, the firstcable end is affixed to the first section, e.g., towards an inboard endof the first section. In some embodiments, the second cable end isaffixed to the second section, e.g., towards an outboard end of thesecond section. In some embodiments, the cable is wrapped around thepulley, e.g., such that the pulley engages the cable along the length ofthe cable between the points at which the cable is affixed to the firstsection and the second section. In some embodiments, the pulley isrigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar by an axle.

In some embodiments, the first section is positioned on a first side ofthe transverse plane of the crossbar assembly, e.g., on a first side ofthe third section. In some embodiments, the pulley-cable mechanismcomprises a first pulley rigidly affixed to the at least one internalbar on the first side of the transverse plane of the crossbar assembly.In some embodiments, the pulley-cable mechanism comprises a secondpulley rigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar on a second sideof the transverse midplane of the crossbar assembly opposite the firstside.

In some embodiments, the pulley-cable mechanism comprises a first cablehaving a first cable end affixed to the first section, e.g., at a pointtowards an inboard end of the first section, and a second cable endaffixed the second section, e.g., at a point towards an outboard end ofthe second section, wherein the first cable is wrapped around the firstpulley.

In some embodiments, the pulley-cable mechanism comprises a second cablehaving a first cable end affixed to the first section, e.g., at a pointtowards an outboard end of the first section, and a second cable endaffixed the second section, e.g., at a point towards an inboard end ofthe section, wherein the second cable is wrapped around the secondpulley.

In some embodiments, the at least one slide mechanism comprises arack-and-pinion mechanism. The rack-and-pinion mechanism may comprise afirst rack coupled to the first section, a second rack coupled to thesecond section, and a pinion gear coupled to the internal structure.

In some embodiments, the first section and the second section areconfigured to move towards and away from the transverse midplane of thecrossbar assembly to change a distance between the outboard end of thefirst section and the outboard end of the second section.

In some embodiments, the first section, the second section, and thethird section (where fitted) each comprise a similar outer profile. Theouter profile may comprise a T-slot. The outer profile may comprise anaerodynamic feature.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first section, the secondsection, and the third section are comprised of a metal.

In some embodiments, the internal structure is coupled to the firstsection and the second section by an intermediate material. Theintermediate material may comprise at least one of rubber and plastic.

In some embodiments, the crossbar assembly comprises a first lockingmechanism configured to lock the first section to the internalstructure. In some embodiments, the crossbar assembly comprises a secondlocking mechanism configured to lock the second section to the internalstructure.

In some embodiments, a roof rack for affixing to a vehicle having aplurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack systemmay comprise at least one of the crossbar assemblies.

In some embodiments, the roof rack comprises a first end mount, e.g.,first stanchion, coupled to an outboard portion of the first section.The first end mount may be configured to mount to a first mountinglocation, e.g., a mounting location of the vehicle, and support thecrossbar, e.g., when the first end mount is coupled to the firstmounting location. In some embodiments, the roof rack system comprises asecond end mount, e.g., second stanchion, coupled to an outboard portionof the second section. The second end mount may be configured to mountto a second mounting location, e.g., a mounting location of the vehicle,and support the crossbar, e.g., when the second end mount is coupled tothe second mounting location.

In some embodiments, a roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle havinga plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof racksystem comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion,e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; asecond section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second endmount. The first section is configured to translate along the axis ofmotion relative to the internal structure. The second section isconfigured to translate along the axis of motion relative to theinternal structure opposite the first section. The third section isrigidly affixed to the internal structure and arranged between the firstsection and the second section. The internal structure is configured tocause the third section to be centered between the first section and thesecond section as the first section and the second section translate.The first end mount is coupled to an outboard portion of the firstsection. The first end mount is configured to mount to a first mountinglocation, e.g., a mounting location of the vehicle. The second end mountis coupled to an outboard portion of the second section. The second endmount is configured to mount to a second mounting location, e.g., amounting location of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a method for installing a roof rack system on avehicle is provided. The roof rack comprises: an extendable crossbarassembly; a first end mount coupled to a first end of the crossbarassembly; and a second end mount coupled to a second end of the crossbarassembly, wherein the second end is opposite the first end. The methodcomprises affixing the first end mount to a first mounting location ofthe vehicle. The method comprises changing the length of the extendablecrossbar by applying a force, e.g., in a longitudinal direction of thecrossbar assembly. The method comprises affixing the second end mount toa second mounting location of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the extendable crossbar assembly comprises a firstsection, e.g., a right-hand section, and a second section, e.g.,left-hand section. In some embodiments, the crossbar assemblyadditionally comprises a third section, e.g., a center section. Thecrossbar extends along an axis and the center section is centered, e.g.,longitudinally, along the axis. In some embodiments, when the length ofthe extendable crossbar assembly is changed, the center section remainscentered, e.g., about a transverse plane of the crossbar assembly. Insome embodiments, changing the length of the extendable crossbarassembly comprises applying a force, e.g., in a longitudinal directionof the crossbar assembly, to at least one of the first section, thethird section and the second section. The center section may be aremovable portion of the crossbar assembly. The center section maycomprise a mounting feature configured to affix an item of cargo to thecrossbar assembly. The center section may be an integral portion of thecrossbar assembly.

In some embodiments, a roof rack crossbar assembly is provided. The roofrack crossbar assembly comprises: an axis of motion, e.g., translation;an internal structure; a first section; and a second section. At leastone of the first section and the second section is configured totranslate along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure.In some embodiments, the internal structure may be moveably coupled toat least one of the first section and the second section. In someembodiments, the internal structure may be fixed relative to the firstsection by virtue of at least one detent feature of the internalstructure configured to interact with at least one detent feature of thefirst section. In some embodiments, the internal structure may be fixedrelative to the second section by virtue of at least one detent featureof the internal structure configured to interact with at least onedetent feature of the second section. In some embodiments, the firstsection may comprise a series of detent features, e.g., spaced apartalong the axis of motion. In some embodiments, the second section maycomprise a series of detent features, e.g., spaced apart along the axisof motion. In some embodiments, the internal structure may comprise aseries of detent features, e.g., spaced apart along the axis of motion.In some embodiments, the spacing of the detent features may vary, e.g.,in the direction of the axis of motion. The spacing of the detentfeatures of the internal structure may be closer together or furtherapart than the spacing of the detent features of at least one of thefirst section and the second section. The spacing of the detent featuresof the first section may be closer together or further apart than thespacing of the detent features of the second section. In someembodiments, the detent feature of at least one of the first section,the second section and the internal structure may comprise an openingconfigured to receive a locking pin. In some embodiments, the internalstructure may be rigidly connected to one of the first section and thesecond section and be slidably connected to the other of the firstsection and the second section.

It will be understood that the term roof rack or roof rack system, asused herein, is used to describe any type of cargo rack or cargo racksystem, e.g., a vehicle cargo rack or vehicle cargo rack system. Theterm roof rack or roof rack system is not limited to a vehicle roof, andmay be applied to a roof, a cargo bed, a hood, a load space, any othersuitable exterior surface of a vehicle, any other suitable interiorsurface of a vehicle, or any combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments. These drawings areprovided to facilitate an understanding of the concepts disclosed hereinand shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, orapplicability of these concepts. It should be noted that for clarity andease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIGS. 1A to 1C show several views of an exemplary roof rack system, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative crossbar, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the illustrative crossbar of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the illustrative crossbar of FIGS. 2-3, withthe outer pieces removed.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a center section of the crossbar of FIG. 4,with outer pieces removed.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a center section of the crossbar ofFIGS. 4-5, with outer pieces removed.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the crossbar of FIGS. 2-6, with theouter pieces included.

FIG. 8 shows the illustrative cross bar in an expanded state.

FIG. 9 shows the illustrative cross bar in a contracted state.

FIG. 10 shows the illustrative cross bar in an expanded state with theouter pieces removed.

FIG. 11 shows the illustrative cross bar in a contracted state with theouter pieces removed.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view a center section of the crossbar, withthe center outer piece in place.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a left-hand pulley, with a left-handcable, having an eyelet configured to be coupled to an outer piece.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show block diagrams of an illustrative crossbar in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show block diagrams of an illustrative crossbar in anexpanded state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 16A to 16C show three top views of a vehicle having mountinglocations, with and without a roof rack installed, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of an illustrative roof rack in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a top perspective view of an illustrative roof rack in apartially extended state, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a top perspective view of an illustrative roof rack in afully extended state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an illustrative roof rack in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of an illustrative roof rack in a fullyextended state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 shows a top cross-sectional view of an illustrative roof rack ina contracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 shows a top cross-sectional view of an illustrative roof rack ina partially extended state, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 24A to 24D show four top cross-sectional views of an illustrativeroof rack in four respective states, with all four views centered at thecenter of the roof rack, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 25A to 25D show four top cross-sectional views of an illustrativeroof rack in four respective states, with all four views directed to theleft-hand side of the roof rack, in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a top view of an illustrative internal structure of theillustrative roof rack, including a left-hand pulley and a right-handpulley with the roof rack in a contracted state, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a top cross-sectional view of an illustrative internalstructure of the roof rack, including a left-hand pulley, a right-handpulley, a left-hand cable and a right-hand cable with the roof rack in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of an illustrative internal structureof the roof rack, including a left-hand pulley and a right-hand pulleywith the roof rack in a contracted state, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the illustrative internal structureof the roof rack, including a left-hand pulley, a right-hand pulley, aleft-hand cable and a right-hand cable with the roof rack in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrativeleft-hand outer piece and corresponding stanchion, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an illustrative left-hand outerpiece and corresponding stanchion, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrativeleft-hand outer piece and corresponding stanchion, including a left-handcable and a right-hand cable with the roof rack in a contracted state,in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrativeleft-hand outer piece and corresponding stanchion, including a left-handcable and a right-hand cable with the roof rack in an expanded state, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrative roofrack with the roof rack in a partially expanded state, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a roof rack system that includesan extendible crossbar, e.g., an extendible crossbar assembly. In someembodiments, the extendible crossbar is capable of being mounted tovarious mounting locations of a vehicle. For example, an extendiblecrossbar may be configured to mount at a plurality of pairs of mountinglocations, each pair of mounting locations having a different distancebetween mounting locations. In an illustrative example, a crossbar maybe configured to achieve a plurality of lengths to match a distancebetween a particular pair of mounting locations.

A crossbar is a cargo accessory for vehicles that expands the capabilityfor mounting gear and equipment. Additional attachments can be mountedto the crossbar for specific purposes such as, for example, carryingbicycles, kayaks, skis, snowboards, cargo boxes, and cargo racks. Insome circumstances, many such attachments have similar methods ofattachment. For example, it may be important that the crossbar retainsthe same profile along its entire length (e.g., for mountingequipment/attachments at suitable locations along the crossbar) or atparticular regions along its entire length.

FIGS. 1A to 1C show an illustrative roof rack system 100, in accordancewith some embodiments, of the present disclosure. The roof rack system100 includes a crossbar 102 configured to mount equipment, with supportmembers 104, e.g., stanchions, at either end of the crossbar 102configured to mount to a vehicle. FIG. 1A shows a perspective view ofthe roof rack system 100. FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of one end ofthe roof rack system 100, while FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of theother end of the roof rack system 100. The stanchions may be coupled tothe crossbar in any suitable arrangement (e.g., rigidly coupled, coupledby a swivel joint, coupled by a slide joint, a slip-on interface, afastened interface, or the stanchions and respective outer pieces may beintegrated as a single component). The stanchions include an interface106 for mounting to the vehicle (e.g., a plug-port interface, a latchingmechanism, a fastened interface, any other suitable interface, or anycombination thereof).

FIGS. 2-13 show various views of an illustrative crossbar 102 inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative crossbar 102, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the crossbar102 includes a first section 107, which includes a left hand (LH) outerpiece 108, a second section 111, which includes a right hand (RH) outerpiece 110, and a third section 109, which includes a center outer piece112, all created with the same outer profile (e.g., all having similarcross-sections). FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the crossbar 102of FIG. 2 (e.g., taken at the “cross-section” callout in FIG. 2). Forexample, the profile may include a standard T slot 114 (e.g., shown incross-section in FIG. 3), one or more aerodynamic features (e.g.,tapered, sloped, or curved surfaces), mounting features for additionalaccessories, any other suitable features, or any combination thereof.The crossbar 102 may be able to achieve a minimum length (e.g., as shownin FIG. 2), a maximum length, and any length in between. For example,when the crossbar 102 is contracted completely to its shortest length,the three outer pieces may form one continuous outer profile. In afurther example, when the crossbar 102 is expanded to its greatestlength, internal expansion features bridge the gap and hold the loadbetween the outer pieces (i.e., the LH outer piece 108 and RH outerpiece 110).

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the illustrative crossbar 102 of FIGS. 2-3,with the outer pieces 108, 110, 112 removed to show an internalstructure, e.g., an internal expansion feature 116. The main structureof the internal expansion feature 116 includes one or more internal bars118 arranged parallel to the outer profile (e.g., along the longitudinalaxis of the crossbar 102). The one or more internal bars 118 provideintermediate support when the outer pieces 108, 110 are in any openposition (e.g., fully extended or partially extended). In someembodiments, the one or more internal bars 118 are configured so thataccessories can mount in the same way they do on the main crossbarsections (e.g., the LH outer piece 108, RH outer piece 110, and centerouter piece 112). In some embodiments, the one or more internal bars 118are rigidly affixed to the center outer piece 112, and thus centeredbetween the LH and RH outer pieces 108, 110. To illustrate, the LH outerpiece 108 may slide along the internal bars 118, and the RH outer piece110 may slide along the internal bars 118. A LH cable 120 is coupled tothe LH outer piece 108 such that as the LH outer piece 108 movesoutward, the end of the cable 122 coupled to the LH outer piece 108 alsomoves outward, e.g., by virtue of the other end of the cable 122 beinganchored to another component. Similarly, for the RH outer piece 110 andRH cable. The center region shown in FIG. 4 is arranged within thecenter outer piece 112. FIG. 5 shows a side view of a center section 126(e.g., including the center region) of the crossbar 102 of FIG. 4, withouter pieces 108, 110, 112 removed. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view ofthe center section 126 (e.g., including the center region) of thecrossbar 102 of FIGS. 4-5, with outer pieces 108, 110, 112 removed. FIG.7 shows a cross-section view of the crossbar 102 of FIGS. 2-6, with theouter pieces 108, 110, 112 included. In some embodiments, the middlecrossbar section (e.g., the center outer piece 112) is self-centering,such that it remains centered about a transverse midplane of thecrossbar 102, e.g., centered between the LH and RH outer pieces 108,110.

In some embodiments, a pulley-cable system 128 connects all three outerpieces 108, 110, 112 together. FIGS. 8-11 illustrate contracted andexpanded configurations of the crossbar 102, with and without the outerpieces 108, 110, 112 in place. FIGS. 8 and 10 show the crossbar 102 inan expanded state, while FIGS. 9 and 11 show the crossbar 102 in acontracted state. For example, FIG. 8 shows the crossbar 102 extendedwith the three outer pieces 108, 110, 112 spaced apart, while FIG. 9shows the crossbar 102 contracted, with all three outer pieces 108, 110,112 together. Accordingly, the crossbar 102 may be extended orcontracted to achieve a desired length (e.g., for mounting at locationshaving different span distances). It will be understood that thepulley-cable system 128 is merely illustrative, and any suitablemechanism may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. Forexample, a rack and pinion mechanism may be used.

Referencing FIGS. 10-11, one end 130 of the RH cable 124 is attached tothe RH outer piece 110 (e.g., at the eyelet 132 illustrated) while theother end 134 is attached to the LH crossbar piece (not shown). Betweenthe two cable ends 130, 134, the RH cable 124 rides around the RH pulley136 that is fixed, e.g., permanently attached to, the center crossbarsection (e.g., the center-to-center distance of the RH pulley 136 and LHpulley 138 is fixed). The RH cable 124 direction changes by 180 degreesabout the RH pulley 136 such that the section that enters the RH pulley136 is parallel, but in the opposite pull direction from the sectionthat exits the RH pulley 136. In terms of kinematics, the traveldistance of the free end 130 (e.g., the end coupled to and able to movewith the RH outer piece 110) of the RH cable 124, relative to the fixedend 134 (e.g., the end coupled to the LH outer piece 108) of the RHcable 124, is twice the displacement of the RH pulley relative to thecenter section 126, e.g., a transverse midplane of the center section.Regardless of the distance between the inboard ends of the outer pieces108, 110, the center outer piece 112 remains centered.

As illustrated, the RH and LH cables 122, 124 are not visible to theuser because they are routed through the hollow center of the internalbars 118 (e.g., tubes). Out of one respective end of the internal bar118, each cable 122, 124 runs straight towards the end of one of the endouter pieces. The other end of each cable wraps around the respectivepulley mounted to the end of the internal bar. Each cable 122, 124 wraps180 degrees around the respective pulley 136, 138 and is mounted to theinboard end of the other outer crossbar piece.

In some embodiments, the LH outer piece 108, RH 110 outer piece, andcenter outer piece 112 and the one or more internal bars 118 areconstructed from metal. In some embodiments, the one or more internalbars 118 are isolated from the outer pieces 108, 110, 112 by anintermediate material. For example, the intermediate material mayinclude nylon, rubber, or other suitable material, formed as end caps ofthe one or more internal bars that prevent vibration, scratching, andwear.

To illustrate, from a fully contracted state, as the RH outer piece 110moves outboard (i.e., away from the center outer piece 112), the eyeletend 130 of the RH cable 124 also moves outboard, while the other end ofthe RH cable 124, coupled to the LH outer piece 108, also moves outboardbut in the opposite direction. Similar movements take place for the LHcable 122 when the LH outer piece moves outboard. Accordingly, thecenter outer piece 112 remains centered. For example, a user may applyforce, e.g., along the longitudinal axis of the crossbar 102, to any orall of the three outer pieces 108, 110, 112 to contract or expand thelength of the crossbar. The pulley system 128 helps ensure the centerouter piece 112 remains centered between the RH and LH outer pieces 108,110.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view a center section of the crossbar, withthe center outer piece 112 in place. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view ofthe LH pulley 138, with the LH cable 122, having an eyelet 140configured to be coupled to the LH outer piece 108, wrapped around 180degrees. The RH cable 124 is also visible in FIG. 13. The LH pulley 138,e.g., the LH pulley axle, is rigidly coupled to the internal bars by abracket 142, as illustrated.

FIGS. 14-15 show block diagrams of an illustrative crossbar 102, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 14Aand 14B show two views, where the view of FIG. 14A omits the LH cable122 and the view of FIG. 14B omits the RH cable 124, for clarity. FIGS.14A and 14B show the crossbar 102 in a fully contracted state. FIGS. 15Aand 15B show two views of the crossbar 102 extended, where the view ofFIG. 15A omits the LH cable 122 and the view of FIG. 15B omits the RHcable 124, for clarity. Each of the RH and LH cables' ends 134, 144 arefixed to the respective outer pieces 108, 110, and accordingly the cableends 134, 144 move relative to the RH and LH pulleys 136, 138.

In some embodiments, the roof rack system 100 includes one or morelocking mechanisms configured to, when locked, constrain motion of acable, a pully, an outer piece, or a combination thereof, relative tothe inner structure (e.g., the internal bars). For example, the lockingmechanism may include a clamp on a cable that prevents the cable frommoving by applying a friction force. In a further example, the lockingmechanism may include a set screw that, when tightened, prevents a pullyfrom rotating. In a further example, the locking mechanism may include aclamp that, when locked, applies a friction force between an internalbar and a LH or RH outer piece to prevent relative motion. In someembodiments, the internal structure may include detent positions, orotherwise provide for discretized extension lengths. For example, thepulley axle may be toothed, or the internal bar may include a ratchetmechanism such that the LH and RH outer pieces achieve predeterminedequilibrium positions. In a further example, a cable may include a belt,flexible rod, a wire, a toothed belt, any other suitable flexiblecomponent, or combination thereof, that may undergo tension.Accordingly, a pulley may include a grooved pulley, a toothed pulley(e.g., a sprocket or gear), a multi-channel pulley, or a cylindricalpulley, any other suitable rotational member, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, a pulley may include a rotational elementsuch as a torsion spring, a dampener, a ratchet mechanism, any othersuitable rotational element, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments, the roof rack system may include one or more actuators(e.g., an electric motor, a linear actuator such as a solenoid)configured to apply a torque to a pulley, apply a force to an outerpiece relative to another outer piece or internal bar, or otherwiseapply a force/torque to cause extension or contraction of the crossbar.

In some embodiments, the center outer piece 112 is centered, e.g.,longitudinally centered, on the crossbar 112 and is configured to remaincentered. For example, some mounting accessories may be required to beattached to a LH or RH outer piece 108, 110 (e.g., a T-slot 114 thereof)and the center section 126 (e.g., a T-slot 114 thereof) of the roof racksystem 110. In some embodiments, the LH or RH outer pieces 108, 110 maybe relatively longer than the other. In some such embodiments, the RHand LH outer pieces 108, 110 may move by an equivalent amount inrespective directions relative to the center outer piece 112, but thecenter outer piece 112 is not centered along the crossbar 102, e.g., thecenter outer piece 112 not being centered about the transverse midplaneof the crossbar 102. For example, this arrangement may be desired tocreate a longer section of T-slot 114 in one of the LH or RH outerpieces 108, 110, and a shorter section of T-slot 114 in the other.Further, the roof rack system 100 may be, in some embodiments,reversible in the side-to-side direction so that the long and shortpieces may be on either side of the center outer piece 112 (e.g., theroof rack 100, or the cross bar 102, can be flipped left to right). Thisarrangement may be useful to accommodate a range of accessory widths andshapes. Accessories may include for example, kayaks, storage containers,surfboards, canoes, skis, snowboards, bikes or bike racks, cargo bedcovers, any other suitable equipment, or any combination thereof.

FIGS. 16A to 16C show three top views of a vehicle 145 having mountinglocations 146, with and without a roof rack installed, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 16A shows thevehicle 145 without a roof rack installed, as well as pairs of mountinglocations 146 (e.g., mounting location pair 148 and mounting locationpair 150). FIG. 16B shows the vehicle with the roof rack 100 installedat mounting location pair 148 (e.g., in the cargo bed), in a fullycontracted state. The span distance (i.e., the distance between the twomounting locations of the pair) of mounting location pair 148 is lessthan the span distance of mounting location pair 150. FIG. 16C shows thevehicle 145 with the roof rack 100 installed at mounting location pair150 (e.g., on top of the cargo bed), in an extended state. Accordingly,the roof rack 100 provides a system to mount cargo on a vehicle atdifferent locations. Further, a user may use the same crossbar 102 formultiple mounting arrangements. Still further, the roof rack 100 may bestored in its smallest configuration (e.g., fully contracted), thusminimizing the required packaging space.

FIGS. 17-33 show various views and states of an illustrative roof rack100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of the illustrative roof rack 100in a contracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a top perspective view of the illustrative roof rack 100in a partially extended state, in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a top perspective view of the illustrative roof rack 100in a fully extended state, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the illustrative roof rack 100 in acontracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the illustrative roof rack 100 in afully extended state, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 shows a top cross-sectional view of the illustrative roof rack100 in a contracted state, in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The internal bars 118, LH cable 122 and RH 124 cableare shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 shows a top cross-sectional view of the illustrative roof rack100 in a partially extended state, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure. The internal bars 118, LH cable 122 and RHcable 124 are shown in FIG. 23.

FIGS. 24A to 24D show four top cross-sectional views of the illustrativeroof rack 100 in four respective states, with all four views centered atthe center of the roof rack 100, e.g., centered about the transversmidplane of the crossbar assembly 102, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 24A shows the roof rack 100in a contracted state. FIG. 24B shows the roof rack 100 in a firstpartially extended state. FIG. 24C shows the roof rack 100 in a secondpartially extended state. FIG. 24D shows the roof rack 100 in a fullyextended state. FIGS. 24A to 24D illustrate how each of the first andsecond sections 107, 109 translate along the longitudinal axis of thecrossbar assembly 102 whilst remaining centered about a transverse planeof the crossbar assembly 102, which in this case is the transversemidplane, to which the third section is fixed.

FIGS. 25A to 25D show four top cross-sectional views of the illustrativeroof rack 100 in four respective states, with all four views directed tothe LH side of the roof rack 100, in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 25A shows the roof rack 100 in a fullyextended state. FIG. 25B shows the roof rack 100 in a first partiallycontracted state. FIG. 25C shows the roof rack 100 in a second partiallycontracted state. FIG. 25D shows the roof rack 100 in a fully contractedstate. FIGS. 25A to 25D illustrate how the end 134 of the RH cable 124is fixed, e.g., directly or indirectly, to the outboard end 152 of thefirst section 107, e.g., at a point on the LH stanchion 104, and how theend 154 of the LH cable 122 is fixed, e.g., directly or indirectly, tothe inboard end 156 of the first section 107, e.g., at a point on endplate 158.

FIG. 26 shows a top view of the illustrative internal structure of theillustrative roof rack 100, including the LH and RH pulleys 136, 138, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a top cross-sectional view of the illustrative internalstructure of the roof rack 100, showing the LH and RH cables 122, 124with the roof rack 100 in a contracted state, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the illustrative internal structureof the roof rack 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the illustrative internal structureof the roof rack 100, with the LH and RH cables 122, 124, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the illustrative LHouter piece 108 and corresponding stanchion 104, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 30 also shows a bracket 160configured to provide stiffness between the LH outer piece 108 and thestanchion 104. The end of the RH cable may be fixed to the bracket 160.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the illustrative LH outer piece 108and corresponding stanchion 104, in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. FIG. 31 also shows a tie down 161 configured toprovide a feature to affix a cable or other securement for securingequipment to the roof rack 100. The bracket 160 prevents relative motionbetween the stanchion 104 and the LH outer piece 108. Although notshown, a similar arrangement may be included for the RH outer piece 110and corresponding stanchion 104.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the illustrative LHouter piece 108 and corresponding stanchion 104, including the LH cable122 and RH cable 124 in a contracted state, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. The RH cable 124 is affixed tothe bracket 160. For example, the substantially vertical portions of thebracket 160 prevent rotation of the stanchion 104 relative to thecrossbar 102 about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the verticalportions. In a further example, the substantially horizontal portion ofthe bracket 160 maintains the vertical sections in position and togetherprevents rotation about a vertical axis.

FIG. 33 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the illustrative LHouter piece 108 and corresponding stanchion 104, including the LH cable122 and RH cable 124 in an extended state, in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of an illustrative roofrack 200. Similar to roof rack 100, roof rack 200 comprises a firstsection 107 and a second section 109, which are configured to receivethe internal bars 118. However, roof rack 200 does not include a pulleycable mechanism. The internal bars 118 of roof rack 200 are free toslide through at least one of the first section 107 and the secondsection 109. In some embodiments, the roof rack 200 may comprise atleast one bushing 163, e.g., a sleeve bearing, configured to constrainoff-axis movement of the internal bars 118, e.g., movement of theinternal bars 118 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of motion,whilst allowing the internal bars 118 to slide freely along the axis ofmotion. In some embodiments, the bushing 163 may be configured toconstrain the rotational motion of the internal bars 118, e.g., therotation of the internal bars 118 around the axis of motion. It will beunderstood that roof rack 100, similar to roof rack 200, may comprise atleast one bushing similar to bushing 163.

In some embodiments, the internal bars 118 may be fixed relative to eachof the first section 107 and the second section 109 by virtue of detentfeatures 162 in the internal bars 118 configured to interact with detentfeature 164 on each of the first section 107 and the second section 109.For example, the detent features 162 in the internal bars 118 and thedetent feature 164 on each of the first section 107 and the secondsection 109 may comprise a series of openings configured to receive alocking pin. In this way, the length of the crossbar assembly 102 may beadjusted by aligning the desired detent features 162 in the internalbars 118 and the detent feature 164 on each of the first section 107 andthe second section 109. The detent features 162 in the internal bars 118may have a different spacing to the detent feature 164 on each of thefirst section 107 and the second section 109. For example, the spacingof the detent features 162 on in the internal bars 118 may be closer orfurther apart than the spacing of the detent feature 164 on each of thefirst section 107 and the second section 109. In some embodiments, theinternal bars 118 are rigidly connected to the first section 107 or thesecond section 109 and are slidably connected to the other section. Insome embodiments, roof rack 100 may comprise detent features 162, 164similar to those shown on roof rack 200. In some embodiments, the roofrack 100 and the roof rack 200 may be provided without the detentfeatures 162, 164.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of thisdisclosure, and various modifications may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The abovedescribed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and notof limitation. The present disclosure also can take many forms otherthan those explicitly described herein. Accordingly, it is emphasizedthat this disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed methods,systems, and apparatuses, but is intended to include variations to andmodifications thereof, which are within the spirit of the followingclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle havinga plurality of mounting locations, the roof rack system comprising: acrossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion; an internal structure;a first section configured to translate along the axis relative to theinternal structure, a second section configured to translate along theaxis relative to the internal structure opposite the first section, anda third section rigidly affixed to the internal structure and arrangedbetween the first section and the second section, wherein the internalstructure is configured to cause the third section to be centeredbetween the first section and the second section as the first sectionand the second section translate; a first end mount coupled to anoutboard portion of the first section and configured to mount to a firstmounting location; and a second end mount coupled to an outboard portionof the section and configured to mount to a second mounting location. 2.The roof rack system of claim 1, wherein the internal structurecomprises: at least one internal bar configured to provide structurerigidity to the crossbar assembly; and at least one slide mechanismconfigured to allow the first section and the second section totranslate relative to the at least one internal bar.
 3. The roof racksystem of claim 2, wherein the at least one internal bar comprises ahollow interior.
 4. The roof rack system of claim 2, wherein the atleast one slide mechanism comprises a pully-cable mechanism.
 5. The roofrack system of claim 4, wherein the pulley-cable mechanism comprises: apulley rigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar; a cablecomprising a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein: the firstcable end is affixed to the first section, the second cable end isaffixed to the second section, and the cable is wrapped around thepulley.
 6. The roof rack system of claim 5, wherein the pulley isrigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar by an axle.
 7. The roofrack system of claim 4, wherein the first section is positioned on afirst side of the third section, and wherein the pulley-cable mechanismcomprises: a first pulley rigidly affixed to the at least one internalbar on the first side of the third section; a second pulley rigidlyaffixed to the at least one internal bar on a second side of the thirdsection opposite the first side; a first cable affixed to the firstsection and the second section, wherein the first cable is wrappedaround the first pulley; a second cable affixed to the first section andthe second section, wherein the second cable is wrapped around thesecond pulley.
 8. The roof rack system of claim 2, wherein the at leastone slide mechanism comprises a rack-and-pinion mechanism, wherein afirst rack is coupled to the first section, a second rack is coupled tothe second section, and a pinion gear is coupled to the internalstructure.
 9. The roof rack system of claim 8, wherein the first sectionand the second section are configured to move towards and away from thethird section to change a distance between the first end mount and thesecond end mount.
 10. The roof rack system of claim 1, wherein the firstsection, the second section, and the third section each comprise asimilar outer profile.
 11. The roof rack system of claim 10, wherein theouter profile comprises a T-slot.
 12. The roof rack system of claim 10,wherein the outer profile comprises an aerodynamic feature.
 13. The roofrack system of claim 1, wherein the first section, the second section,and the third section are comprised of a metal.
 14. The roof rack systemof claim 1, wherein the internal structure is coupled to both the firstsection and the second section by an intermediate material.
 15. The roofrack system of claim 1, wherein the intermediate material comprises atleast one of rubber and plastic.
 16. The roof rack system of claim 1,further comprising a first locking mechanism configured to lock thefirst section to the internal structure.
 17. The roof rack system ofclaim 16, further comprising a second locking mechanism configured tolock the second section to the internal structure.
 18. A method forinstalling the roof rack system of claim 1 on a vehicle, the methodcomprising: affixing the first end mount to a first mounting location ofthe vehicle; changing the length of the extendable crossbar by applyinga force; and affixing the second end mount to a second mounting locationof the vehicle.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the third sectionis centered along the axis; and when the length of the extendablecrossbar is changed, the third section remains centered.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein changing the length of the extendable comprisesapplying a force to at least one of the first section, the secondsection, or the third section.